Collaborating for Mental Wellness in Houston
In June, the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation—in partnership with IPIC Houston and Greater Houston Community Foundation—hosted a special screening of Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die. But this was not just any screening—it featured an audience of more than 400 community members, teens, and affiliates from 13 Houston-based nonprofit organizations that champion resilience, acceptance, and mental health in the Houston community.
The high-energy event included local DJs, creators, photo experiences, and multiple surprises for the featured nonprofit organizations. The event also incorporated a complimentary elevated entertainment experience at IPIC, a special welcome video and thank you from Will Smith, and the announcement of micro-grants from the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation (WJSFF) to support each of the organizations’ missions. Organizations invited their staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries, who filled the space with energy and excitement. But who are these nonprofits, and how did they get invited?
The Driving Forces
Founded by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, WJSFF harnesses the power of storytelling, philanthropy, advocacy and partnerships to champion organizations and individuals working to transform the lives and futures of the communities we work and live in.
For nearly 30 years, WJSFF has invested in and supported a range of issue areas—from arts and education to health and wellness to sustainability and youth empowerment—with the ambition of motivating, resourcing, and removing barriers to ensure everyone has the opportunity to discover and reach their full potential.
Ahead of the release of Bad Boys: Ride or Die and connected to some of the core themes of the film, WJSFF wanted to support local organizations in Houston—a vibrant and resilient city that has always been special to the Smith family—working to create healthier, more connected, and resilient communities. While WJSFF has supported organizations in cities nationwide and around the globe to create a unique and unforgettable experience, WJSFF teamed up with the Greater Houston Community Foundation as its anchor partner and philanthropic advisor. Foundation Governing Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of the Smith Family Circle, Enoch Woodhouse, knew the Foundation’s philanthropic advisors would help WJSFF make a more profound philanthropic impact in Houston.
The Foundation led initial listening sessions to help understand the WJSFF’s goals: identifying high-impact organizations in the wellbeing, mental health, and youth empowerment space working in Houston. It also served as a philanthropic advisor throughout the month-long project, providing data from Understanding Houston and introductions to support the WJSFF’s outreach, due diligence, and program design process.
The Community Impact Ride or Dies for Houston
To celebrate Houston’s changemakers and community leaders, WJSFF awarded $5,000 to all 13 invited nonprofit organizations, Houston’s true community impact “Ride or Die” partners. These organizations tirelessly work to bolster the mental health of individuals within our region. With deep, personal connections to the communities they serve, these organizations understand the unique challenges and cultural contexts that influence mental health.
Congratulations to these outstanding organizations!
- AVDA, Texas
- Eight Million Stories
- Fit Houston
- FuelEds School
- Hype Freedom School
- Iconoclast Artists
- Jed Foundation
- Mental Health America of Greater Houston
- Shape Community Center
- Southern Smoke Foundation
- The Montrose Center
- Workshop Houston
- YMCA of Greater Houston
“Support from organizations like the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation helps Iconoclast Artists to execute its mission. We believe that helping students foster relationships with the expressive arts through poetry and creative writing is a mental health intervention. Access to the arts and engaging in self-expression helps our students build confidence and self-awareness and provides opportunities for healthy risk-taking. When students are free to find their authentic voice, we believe they will be more likely to use it to empower themselves and others. We love to call our classrooms “brave spaces” as students go from a bundle of nerves to performing in front of a large crowd of strangers over the course of the year.” – Holly Hudley, Greater Houston Community Foundation Fundholder and Curriculum Development & Core Competencies Specialist at Iconoclast Artists.
Your Trusted Philanthropic Partner
Greater Houston Community Foundation is dedicated to being a community impact “ride or die” for Houston and beyond, ensuring we partner with our clients and donors to ignite positive change in the community. We look forward to partnering with you to support and empower our community with high-impact philanthropy. Give us a call today at 713-333-2210 , or reach out directly to start a conversation.
More helpful articles by Greater Houston Community Foundation:
- The Surprising Benefits of Philanthropy on your Well-Being
- Always Do Good: Impact Spotlight
- Giving Back to the Community: Your Guide to Houston’s Black-Led Organizations
- The Business of Good: Taking Corporate Giving to the Next Level
- The Future is Now: What is Next-Gen Philanthropy?
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